The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru, has issued a strong rebuke to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over what he described as inappropriate involvement in Rivers State politics and interference in APC matters despite having no formal membership in the party.
Basiru urged Wike to resign from his ministerial position and dedicate his focus entirely to political affairs within Rivers State, warning against continued meddling in APC activities at both national and state levels. He accused Wike of overstepping his bounds and attempting to exert influence in party matters where he holds no authority or legitimate standing.
Basiru Questions Wike’s Authority
In an official statement released on Monday from Osogbo, Osun State, Basiru questioned Wike’s authority to make comments or interfere in APC affairs. He emphasised that unless Wike formally joins the party, he lacks the moral and political legitimacy to engage the APC or its leadership in any capacity.
Basiru said, “From my record, he isn’t a member of APC. I don’t see which authority or temerity he has to be dabbling in APC affairs. I am the National Secretary of APC and I don’t see any basis for him to be making comments about my activities either in Rivers State or in any part of Nigeria.”
He further clarified that his responsibilities as National Secretary extend beyond any one state. “As the National Secretary of the party, my activities aren’t confined to Osun State contrary to his wrong impression. I am the head of the National Secretariat of the APC. So, he has no locus whatsoever to engage me in any political activity that concerns the APC until he joins the party.”
Rejection of Rivers Allocation Claim
Basiru also firmly denied claims made by Wike suggesting that he was interested in the N600 billion allocations earmarked for Rivers State. He stressed that such insinuations were false, misrepresentative of his character, and contrary to his long-standing record of integrity in public service.
He stated, “Secondly, I take strong exception to his allusion that I am interested in the N600 billion allocations of Rivers State. My records of service are those of integrity and commitment to service. I am not an opportunist, and I have never shied away from taking principled positions on any matter, no matter whose ox is gored.”
‘I Cannot Be Bullied’
Responding to what he described as a veiled threat from Wike, Basiru underlined his resilience and unyielding nature in the face of intimidation. He recalled his history of confronting military rule in Nigeria, stating that he could not be pressured or bullied by anyone, regardless of their position of power.
He said, “As to his veiled threat against me, I am a believer in God, that only God can do something for anybody, no matter how highly placed. I am one of the young Nigerians that confronted military dictatorship. I can’t be bullied by anybody, no matter how highly placed.”
Final Advice to Wike
Basiru concluded his statement by reaffirming his commitment to the party and his spotless record as APC National Secretary. He advised Wike to resign from his ministerial role and concentrate on Rivers State politics rather than continuing to interfere in APC affairs without mandate or membership.
He stated, “My records as national secretary are above board, and I can’t be queried by somebody who isn’t a member of APC. Finally, my advice to him is that he should resign as Minister and face his obsession with Rivers politics.”
Basiru’s remarks have drawn attention for their firmness and clarity, highlighting internal party discipline, the importance of adhering to party structures, and a call for political actors to respect boundaries within Nigeria’s political landscape.